Guptill, Henry lead Kiwis to ODI series sweep against Pak

January 20, 2018, 8:46 AM IST

Wellington [New Zealand]: Opener Martin Guptill smashed a scorching century before seamer Matt Henry bagged a four-wicket haul as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 15 runs in the fifth ODI to complete the five-match series whitewash at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

Chasing a target of 272 runs in their stipulated 50 overs, Pakistan struggled against New Zealand bowlers and were eventually bundled out for 256 runs with an over to spare.

Haris Sohail (63) and Shadab Khan (54) were the only two players to provide their side with some resistance with their blistering half-centuries.

Meanwhile, Aamer Yamin remained unbeaten on 32.

Henry was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand for his figures of four for 43 followed by Mitchell Santner’s three for 40.

Lockie Ferguson and Colin de Grandhomme also contributed with two and a wicket, respectively.

Earlier, Guptill shone with the bat as he not only struck a 100-run knock, including 10 boundaries and a six, but also shared a crucial 112-run stand for the third wicket with Ross Taylor to guide New Zealand to a total of 271-7.

While Colin Munro also contributed with decent 34, Colin de Grandhomme remained unbeaten on 29.

For Pakistan, Rumaan Raees was the most economical bowler with three wickets while Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Yamin contributed with two and a wicket, respectively.

Guptill was declared `Man of the Match` as well as `Man of the series` for his brilliant contribution with the bat.

The two sides will now head into three-match T20I series, beginning January 22 at the Wellington Regional Stadium. (ANI)